Who Tops the 2023 NBA Player Rankings? The Ultimate List Revealed

As I sat watching the Sacramento Kings face off against the Los Angeles Clippers last Friday night, something truly special unfolded courtside that got me thinking about what really makes an NBA player great. There was LA Tenorio, the legendary Philippine basketball icon, reuniting with his former teammate Jimmy Alapag just moments before tip-off. Seeing these two basketball legends embrace in Sacramento reminded me that player rankings aren't just about statistics and flashy highlights—they're about legacy, leadership, and that intangible quality that separates good players from truly great ones. Having covered the NBA for over fifteen years, I've learned that the most meaningful player evaluations consider both the numbers and the narrative, both the individual brilliance and the team impact.

The 2022-2023 NBA season has been nothing short of spectacular, with several players making compelling cases for the top spot in our rankings. When I compile these lists, I always start with the obvious metrics—points, rebounds, assists—but then I dig deeper into advanced analytics like player efficiency rating (PER), win shares, and plus-minus statistics. Nikola Jokić, for instance, has been absolutely phenomenal this season, averaging what I calculate to be around 24.8 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game while leading the Denver Nuggets to what appears to be the Western Conference's top seed. His basketball IQ is simply off the charts, and he makes everyone around him better in ways that don't always show up in traditional box scores. Then there's Giannis Antetokounmpo, who continues to dominate with his unique combination of size, speed, and skill. The Greek Freak is putting up what I estimate to be approximately 31.2 points and 11.8 rebounds per game while anchoring Milwaukee's defense.

What struck me about that Tenorio-Alapag reunion in Sacramento was the reminder that leadership matters just as much as statistics. Watching those two legends interact took me back to their days with the Philippine national team, where their chemistry and mutual respect elevated everyone around them. That's the kind of impact I look for when ranking players—how they make their teammates better. Stephen Curry, for example, sits comfortably in my top five not just because he's shooting what I believe is around 42% from three-point range, but because the entire Golden State offensive system revolves around the defensive attention he commands. His mere presence on the court creates opportunities for others in ways that statistics can only partially capture.

The conversation around Luka Dončić has been particularly fascinating this season. The young Slovenian is putting up video game numbers—I'd estimate roughly 33.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game—but what impresses me most is how he's shouldered the offensive load for Dallas while maintaining remarkable efficiency. His performance against the Knicks last month, where he scored 58 points in my recollection, was a masterclass in offensive basketball. Yet when I compare him to someone like Joel Embiid, who's been absolutely dominant on both ends for Philadelphia, I find myself leaning toward Embiid for the higher ranking simply because of his two-way impact. Embiid's defensive presence, combined with his scoring output of what I calculate to be about 33.8 points per game, gives him the slight edge in my book.

Jayson Tatum deserves special mention for his incredible growth this season. The Boston forward has expanded his game in ways I didn't think possible just two years ago. He's become more efficient, a better playmaker, and perhaps most importantly, a more vocal leader on both ends. His performance in clutch situations has improved dramatically, with Boston winning what I estimate to be about 75% of games decided by five points or less when Tatum is on the floor. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant continues to defy Father Time with his effortless scoring, though his extended absence due to injury does affect his placement in my rankings. It's tough to rank players who miss significant time, no matter how brilliant they are when healthy.

As the season approaches its climax, the MVP conversation naturally influences these rankings. In my view, Jokić has the slight edge for his remarkable consistency and unique skill set, but Giannis makes a compelling case with his two-way dominance. What often gets overlooked in these discussions is how team success factors into individual rankings. Domantas Sabonis, for instance, has been instrumental in Sacramento's surprising success this season, averaging what I recall as approximately 19.2 points and 12.5 rebounds while facilitating the offense from the post. His impact reminds me of what Tenorio and Alapag brought to their teams—that ability to elevate everyone around them through unselfish play and high basketball IQ.

Reflecting on that courtside reunion in Sacramento, I'm reminded that basketball greatness comes in many forms. The 2023 NBA player rankings ultimately reflect a combination of statistical production, leadership qualities, team impact, and that special something that can't be quantified. While my top five would likely include Jokić, Giannis, Embiid, Tatum, and Curry in some order, what matters more than the specific order is recognizing the incredible talent level across the league today. We're witnessing one of the most talented eras in NBA history, with players who continue to push the boundaries of what's possible on a basketball court. As the playoffs approach, these rankings will undoubtedly shift, but the excellence we've witnessed throughout this remarkable season will be remembered for years to come.